• Australian Open, Day 14

Tearful Murray apologises for Australian Open defeat

Andy Murray sheds a tear after suffering defeat to Roger Federer © Getty Images

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Awesome Federer too good for Murray
Day 14 in pictures

A tearful Andy Murray apologised to his home support after he suffered a 6-3 6-4 7-6(11) loss to Roger Federer in the Australian Open final.

Murray had played the best tennis of his career leading up to the final, but he was beaten by the better player on Sunday, in what was his second career Grand Slam final appearance. Federer has now dashed the Briton's dreams at the last hurdle in both the US Open and the Australian Open, and the emotion of the occasion was clearly visible on Murray's face.

"I've had great support back home over the past couple of weeks, sorry I couldn't do it tonight," he said, before breaking away from the microphone to compose himself. "I can cry like Roger, it's just a shame I can't play like him!"

Murray managed to break the world No. 1 twice in his straight sets defeat, as well as forcing four set points in the concluding tie-breaker, but he admitted Federer was a class apart.

"I've got to congratulate Roger, his achievements in tennis are absolutely incredible. To keep doing it year after year is pretty special, and he was a lot better than me tonight. The support I've had throughout the tournament has been really special and hopefully one year I can come back and win it."

Federer stayed typically gracious in victory, assuring Murray that he will end Britain's long wait for a Grand Slam triumph. John Lloyd had been the last British male to reach the Australian Open, back in 1977.

"Well done to Andy for an incredible tournament," Federer said. "You played fantastic and you're too good a player not to win a Grand Slam so don't worry about it. I'm over the moon to win this. I've played some of the best tennis of my life in these last two weeks so it's a special moment.

"Thanks to my guys for sticking with me through the two weeks, it's not an easy thing but you accept me the way I am. This one is obviously ultra special because it's my first Grand Slam as a father."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.